Making Goals Together

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“I never knew the benefit of running with a group until I joined the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team.  I started running 5 years ago when a friend challenged me to run a 5k.  When I realized I could do it, I had the desire to improve.  However, it takes a lot of self-motivation to stay on track.  And it kind of gets boring when you are running by yourself and achieving a goal when no one else is aware of it.  

I “ran” across the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team 3 years ago.  I decided to attend a group run one day, and the rest is history.  I was pushed to be healthy.  I was motivated to run and cross train.  I learned how to properly train for a race.  I could not let anyone down so I tried to attend every Saturday morning group run.  I looked forward to the reward at the end of our Saturday runs –  Clean Juice with a new group of friends. But most importantly, it was incredible to see everyone cheer each other on when you are accomplishing your goals.  You celebrated together.  You laughed together.  You smiled together.  There’s no better feeling than to accomplish a personal goal and share it with others. 

I achieved a personal record on a half marathon in Fall 2017, and I never ever thought I could do it.  I owe it all to the ISF Dream Team.  There is no way I could have achieved this goal without everyone’s support, pushing me to improve my performance, and cheering me on.  I am forever grateful that I am a part of the ISF Dream Team.  

It’s not too late to join the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team.  I promise, you won’t regret it.” 

– Tammy Lowry

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

We Will Train Together. Run Together.

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Keith & Jackson, Dream Team Week #2

The Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team, a Charlotte running group, has officially started training for 2018.  Members of our team run with purpose and heart… we always enjoy hearing about why they run, what inspires them and their goals to get them to the finish line.  When it kicked off a few weeks ago, we learned that two of our Dream Team members set a goal together for this year.  Jackson Lowry, at age 13, accomplished his second half marathon last year with a personal record time.  Keith Brent accomplished his third half marathon since training with the ISF Dream Team.  As they both were looking back on their accomplishments, they were trying to decide what was their next dream.  Jackson admires Keith, and he said “one day I want to be able to run a full marathon.”  Keith without hesitation said “I will do it with you.  You pick the race, we will train together.  Run it together.” 

And the bond was created. They have set their 2018 goal – the Rock ‘N Roll Savannah Full Marathon in November.  Training is officially underway.  This past Saturday, they ran 8 miles in step together as they planned out their training schedule for the upcoming week.  Daily texts, running together, and high fives – – they keep each other motivated.  They are already talking about how excited they are going to be when they cross that finish line together on November 3rd.  They have 108 days to finish their training, and they do it all for Isabella and other kids fighting cancer.

These goals and uncommon bonds are what inspires us at the foundation!

A little about Jackson…

Jackson Lowry, at age 12, started running with the ISF Dream Team in Summer of 2016.  When he became diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in November 2015, he understood how it felt to be diagnosed with a disease that had no cure. He was determined to not let his diabetes stop him from following his dreams.  He has trained with the ISF Dream Team, accomplishing several races including 2 half marathons.  This year, he is training for his very first full marathon while raising money for the Isabella Santos Foundation.  Jackson’s mission in life is to inspire more kids to give back.  You can support Jackson and cheer him on by making a donation to his fundraising efforts.

And Keith who has been supporting ISF since the beginning…

Keith Brent, and his wife Christine, both personally knew Isabella Santos.  When ISF was formed in 2007, they immediately became involved with the foundation.  Three years ago, Keith joined the ISF Dream Team.  Keith loves the challenge and fitness benefits of running, all while raising money in memory of Isabella.  Keith and Christine Brent have raised over $14,000 through the ISF Dream Team, directly crushing cancer in the Charlotte community.  Keith has accomplished three half marathons while being a part of the ISF Dream Team, and his goal for 2018 is to complete a full marathon.  You can support Keith and high five him on by making a donation on his fundraising efforts.  

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

What is your Why?

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In the fundraising and nonprofit world we all have our own WHY for WHAT we do.  We talk about WHAT our charity is about and WHAT we do to fight… but connecting that WHY is the difference when trying to make a connection in fundraising.  The WHY is the goosebumps and tears that move donors to action.

Our ISF team talked several weeks ago that we wanted to ask our Dream Team and our MIBG Ambassadors this one question:  WHY do you fundraise for the Isabella Santos Foundation and pediatric cancer. It’s a question taken from Simon Sinek’s book and TEDx Talk, ‘Start With Why’… aimed at inspirational leadership.  For us at ISF, Sinek’s thoughts our perfect for fundraisers too.

Tim & Granddaughter

The funny thing is we haven’t asked this question to our fundraisers yet… but our faithful and consistent supporter, Tim McBride, shared his WHY this weekend.  We all have them.  Some very specific like Tim’s.  Some maybe not so specific.  But the WHY is what means the most.  

Tim, your WHY stopped us in our tracks.  It gave us goosebumps.  We thank you for using your pain to make a difference in this world…

“People are always asking me why I’m so passionate about raising money for cancer research, treatment, and patient services. I have many but this started it off. I always thought (and still do) that my brother, Mike McBride, was the greatest athlete in the world. When I was young, Mike, my Dad, and I would watch pro football on Sunday afternoon. I remember my Dad saying he would see Mike play on Sunday too. I wanted him to think I was good too. When I was 8 years old, I entered a Punt Pass and Kick contest and was fortunate enough to win my age group. I walked home with my Redskins jacket I won for first place. I went to show my Dad so he would say I could play in the pros like Mike. But cancer was doing its job on him. He had a brain tumor and this wasn’t a good day for him. After I told him I won and showed him my jacket, he just laid there in the bed. As I was leaving, I heard him ask Mom, “who was that?” I have never forgotten that day. I knew I was never good enough to play on Sunday but that pain has driven me to want to raise money so a kid never has to feel the pain I did that day.” 

-Tim McBride [McBeast, ISF MIBG Ambassador, Dream Team Member, Run-Streaker, Cancer Crusher, Santa Clause, & all over Bad Ass]

WHAT IS YOUR WHY?

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It started with a girl.  And she is changing the world.  June 28th will mark the 6th anniversary of Isabella’s passing.  Please help us near and far keep Isabella’s legacy alive.  

2018 Isabella’s Dream Team: Seeking Volunteer Cancer Crushing Leaders

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After conquering many miles and many milestones over the past four years – we are Crushing Cancer again this year for your choice of several races. This team will be training in memory of Isabella Santos, who passed away from Neuroblastoma at the age of 7. We will train as one group starting in mid-July and then you can pick which race(s) would work best for you and your schedule!  The idea is to give you a choice- but also help cheerlead each other in our training schedules. Of course…along the training path- this determined group of runners will crush The Isabella Santos Foundation 11th Annual 5k/10K for Kids Cancer on Saturday, Sept 29th. The Dream Team tackled these races last year and raised over $110,000…and over $400,000 to date! Lets crush the pavement, crush our fundraising goal and crush cancer together again in 2018!

As many of you know from being part of this great group…the team work makes the dream work, so we are taking that motto and are implementing a new structure this year that will allow our passionate people to join forces to crush pediatric cancer together. This structure can apply to anyone that is interested in taking on a more active role on our dream team. 

We are seeking leaders. We are seeking cancer crushers. We are seeking passionate individuals with a desire to take their role with our team to the next level. We have committed  $5 million to establish The Isabella Santos Foundation Rare & Solid Tumor Program at Levine Children’s Hospital.  This program will impact more than just Charlotte as it will be the first of its kind in the United States. This is a volunteer based grassroots effort without the overhead of the large cancer charities.  Please email info@isabellasantosfoundation.org for more information

We are seeking leads for the following areas to help run our Dream Team in 2018:  (Please email info@isabellasantosfoundation.org for more information)

  • Fundraising LEAD: (Still Needed)
    • Help People Set Up FG Pages
    • Help Develop Fundraising Incentive Program
  • Training LEAD: (Fullfilled)
    • Develop Training Schedules
    • Coordinate Group Runs
    • Identify 2018 Race Options
  • Communication LEAD: (Fulfilled)
    • Coordinates Emails
    • Communicates Socials, Group Runs, etc. 
  • Recruitment LEAD: (Still Needed)
    • Help Coordinate Socials 
    • Attend local events/races to recruit members
    • Help Develop Referral Incentive Program
    • Work with Local Businesses for Monthly Partnership
  • “Hype Squad” LEAD: (Still Needed)
    • Coordinate and Develop Cheerleaders/Hype Squad for our DT members
    • Coordinate Cheering sections at local races and events
    • Coordinate the spotlight of Dream Team Members and Weekly speakers

If you are interested, please email us ASAP at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org

 

Fighting a Disease

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Jackson, 2016 Charlotte Half Marathon

Written by Tammy Lowry, Jackson’s Mom
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At the age of 12, my son Jackson Lowry decided to join the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team.  The Dream Team trains together as a group to run a half marathon, supporting each other and raising funds for ISF and pediatric cancer.  November 2016 was his first half marathon, and he did a phenomenal job.  He politely reminds me every day that he beat me, and he is going to beat me again this year.  His motivation might be to beat his mother in a half marathon, but the biggest joy I embrace is how he is learning about fundraising and supporting our community when there are kids a little less fortunate.  But then something happens that reminds me – – he knows what that is like.  He knows how it is to fight a disease.  He has Type 1 Diabetes, and it haunts us when we least expect it.
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Last Saturday was a critical part of our half marathon training.  We were meeting for a group run that is 10 miles of the actual race course.  Unfortunately, Jackson had a cross country meet that morning with his middle school – so we both did not attend the group run.   Instead, we got up on Sunday and hit the streets at 7:45am to accomplish this run together.  There is a part of the half marathon course that is a huge hill on Providence Road.  Jackson and I both agreed that once we run that, we are golden.
 XXX
We start off with our run, and he is in high spirits.  He is directing me which route to go, which streets to run on.  He was so pumped.  We pull that hill on Providence Road and when we reached the top he started to slow down.  Now he fell behind me in pace.  We were only at 3 miles – – we had a long ways to go.  I kept looking back at him to see what was going on, and I looped back around.  His blood sugar dropped significantly and he was having a diabetic attack.  I pulled out a bag of energy beans because that is all I had on me at the time.  He ate the entire bag and felt better immediately.  But when you deal with blood sugar highs and lows – it affects your attitude, your mood, and your motivation.  He lost all motivation after his attack.
 XXX
As he looked at me completely wiped out, he told me to go ahead and run.  I was hesitant at first.  I ran ahead of him and I would circle back around to see how he was doing.  Then I finally kept on running but talked to him on the phone as I completed my 10 miles.  He walked it behind me, but he kept going.
 XXX
The entire time I thought – – what is he going to say to me when we meet back at my car?  Will he be defeated?  Will he be upset?  How do I handle this as his mom?  I certainly know that you have good runs and bad runs, but will he understand that?  He is only 13 years old.
 XXX
We get back to the car and he looks at me and says, “I will get it next time.”  Yes you will Jackson, yes you will.  This weekend, we have an 8 mile run, and I know he will do it.  His heart is full of motivation and he won’t quit.
– Tammy Lowry, Jackson’s Mom